Objectives: While the effectiveness of MMTP for heroin users has been demonstrated repeatedly, approximately one-half of those who enter methadone treatment leave within one year. Understanding predictors of treatment re-entry may be helpful in enhancing rates of return to treatment. Methods: 133 MMTP drop-outs (who had left treatment in the prior 12 months) and were not currently in drug treatment, were recruited for a 3-month intervention (including outreach and cognitive behavioral groups) aimed at increasing treatment re-entry. The baseline interview included assessment of ASI composite scales (including medical status), frequency of heroin use, and attitudes toward methadone treatment. Six-month follow-up interviews were conducted. Results: At follow-up, 48% had returned to drug treatment. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that participants who used heroin more frequently (estimated OR=.99,p<.05) and whose ASI scale scores indicated greater need for medical services (estimated OR=.08, p=.05) were less likely to have re-entered drug treatment at follow-up. Positive attitudes to methadone treatment were predictive of treatment re-entry (estimated OR=1.1,p<.05). Conclusions: MMTP dropouts who appeared to be most in need of treatment (e.g., more frequent heroin use and greater needs for medical services) were least likely to re-enter treatment. Efforts to engage these individuals in treatment services are needed, perhaps by addressing both their medical needs and their attitudes toward treatment.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to: 1. Identify potential factors related to returning to drug treatment among persons who left MMTP within the prior 12 months. 2. Describe the relationship beween Addiction Severity Index (ASI) Scales and the return to treatment among MMTP drop-outs. 3. Describe the relationship between attitudes towards methadone and the return to treatment among MMTP drop-outs
Keywords: Methadone Maintenance, Medical Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.